Superhydrophobic Civil Engineering Materials: A Review from Recent Developments

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surfaces have drawn attention from scientists and engineers because of their extreme water repellency. More interestingly, these surfaces have also demonstrated an infinite influence on civil engineering materials. In this feature article, the history of wettability theory is described firstly. The approaches to construct hierarchical micro/nanostructures such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electrochemical, etching, and flame synthesis methods are introduced. Then, the advantages and limitations of each method are discussed. Furthermore, the recent progress of superhydrophobicity applied on civil engineering materials and its applications are summarized. Finally, the obstacles and prospects of superhydrophobic civil engineering materials are stated and expected. This review should be of interest to scientists and civil engineers who are interested in superhydrophobic surfaces and novel civil engineering materials.

Durable and Superhydrophobic Aluminium Alloy with Microscale Hierarchical Structures and Anti-Drag Function Inspired by Diving Bell Spider

“…Therefore, superhydrophobic coating materials [16][17][18][19][20] are prone to be decimated or even fall off from the substrates [21], resulting in the invalidation of Coatings 2021, 11, 1146 2 of 13 the water-repellent function, especially for marine vehicles working in harsh environments, such as deep sea and polar regions. Considering the above-mentioned challenges, the water-repellent function should be achieved by a structural design to replace traditional superhydrophobic paint [22][23][24][25], enhance the physicochemical strength, and further synergistically improve the anti-drag performance of superhydrophobic coating materials, which is in line with the developmental tendencies of superhydrophobic coating materials [26][27][28][29].…”

Laser Fabrication of Anti-Icing Surfaces: A Review

“…Ice in its several forms, i.e., frost, glaze, rime, snow, can cause severe problems for locks and dams [ 1 ], solar panels [ 2 ], wind turbines [ 3 ], aircraft [ 4 , 5 ], heat pumps [ 6 ], power lines or telecommunication equipment [ 7 ], civil engineering materials [ 8 ], and oil platforms [ 9 ], especially when it adheres and accumulates. These problems can increase energy consumption, reduce the energy conversion efficiency, origin mechanical and/or electrical malfunctions, and define safety hazards [ 10 , 11 ].…”

High‐speed wire electrical discharge machining to create superhydrophobic surfaces for magnesium alloys with high corrosion and wear resistance

“…The treatment of metal surfaces with superhydrophobic surfaces, inspired by superhydrophobic surfaces found in nature, can effectively improve metal corrosion and wear resistance and provide an option to improve corrosion and wear resistance. [ 11–13 ] An ideal superhydrophobic surface has a water contact angle (WCA) >150° and a sliding angle <10°. Superhydrophobicity is a highly sought‐after property not only because it imparts good corrosion resistance and wear resistance to materials, but also because it allows for unique applications of materials, such as antibacterial, [ 14 ] oil/water separation, [ 15 ] drag reduction, [ 16 ] self‐cleaning, [ 17 ] anti‐icing, [ 18 ] anticorrosion [ 19 ] and water harvesting.…”